On Using Negative Binomial Distribution as a Randomization Device in Sensitive Surveys

In this article, an interesting improvement of some recent randomized response techniques has been proposed. The proposed randomized response technique applies Negative Binomial distribution to obtain data from respondents. An unbiased estimator of proportion of a sensitive attribute has been suggested and it is shown, numerically, that the new estimator performs better than the recent estimators while doing a sensitive survey. It is also established that the proposed estimator is unconditionally better than that of the estimator based on using the geometric distribution.     

Prediction distribution for a linear regression model with multivariate student-t error distribution

The distribution(s) of future response(s) given a set of data from an informative experiment is known as prediction distribution. The paper derives the prediction distribution(s) from a linear regression model with a multivari-ate Student-t error distribution using the structural relations of the model. We observe that the prediction distribution(s) are multivariate t-variate(s) with degrees of freedom which do not depend on the degrees of freedom of the error distribution.     

Fourth exact moment results for mrbp tests with two or three treatments

MRBP tests were proposed by Mielke and Iyer (1982) to analyze multivariate data for the randomized block design, based on permutation procedures. They obtained the first three exact moments of the MRBP test statistic to approximate its permutation distribution. Tracy and Khan (1991) derived its fourth exact moment, to obtain a better approximating distribution, when there are four or more treatments. In this paper we obtain the fourth exact moment when the number of treatments is less than four.     

“She was a little bit unrealistic”: Choice in healthcare decision making for older people

This paper examines autonomy, choice, options, and power in healthcare decision making for older people. Using discourse analysis and a case study from data gathered as part of an ethnographic field study we critique a common conceptualization of healthcare decision making as patients choosing from an array of options offered by healthcare providers. A discourse of “giving options and being realistic” used by healthcare providers is contrasted with the experience of a single patient's transitional care from hospital to home after hip fracture. This illustrates how a wide variety of actors, institutions, values, and resources take precedence in determining a discharge destination. While the accounts given by healthcare providers cast patient choice in respectful terms, an ethnographic approach illustrates that the “choices” are structured by a discourse which simplifies the complexity of what is offered and who gets to choose. In the case study the patient's choice was subjugated by expertise and institutional concerns; her options were largely illusory; and her autonomy was “at risk” due to her age, poor health, and limited resources. We use Foucault's ideas about discourse and governmentality to question the scope of agency in healthcare decision making. We argue that the conceptualization of informed patients making autonomous choices acts as “misdirection” which deflects problem solving and discussion away from a productive examination of the differences between healthcare system offerings and client needs. We conclude by posing questions to reorient the debate surrounding healthcare decision making for older adults and recommend a more participatory approach to designing social services.     

The Impact of in-Service Training and Motivation on Job Performance of Technical & Vocational Education Teachers: Role of Person-Job Fit

In-service education and training (INSET), motivation and person-job fit of workers are considered vital for the performance of employees. The focused purpose of the study is to examine the associations between in-service training and motivation impact on job performance of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teachers, while examining the moderating role of person-job fit. Using convenience sampling technique, data is collected from TVET teachers in South Asia. The finding of this study revealed a significant impact for in-service training and motivation on job performance. This research study is useful for the HR managers and practitioners to utilize their employee’s true potential to get the desired results.

     

An empirical analysis of monetary and multidimensional poverty: evidence from a household survey in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The present study computes multidimensional poverty and compares it with unidimensional estimates of poverty for the district of Mandi Bahuddin in the Punjab province of Pakistan for the years 2010 and 2014. By employing the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) and Alkire-Foster Methods, the incidence, severity and depth of unidimensional and multidimensionality poverty was estimated. We found an increase in absolute and relative poverty levels in 2014 as compared to 2010. The multidimensional poverty in terms of household assets has also increased over time. However, the relative proportion of educational and health poverty towards MPI remains higher, thereby calling for a holistic approach to identify multidimensional poverty in the social sector. A comprehensive policy dossier needs to be framed for designing effective poverty alleviation and social welfare programmes in the Punjab, Pakistan.     

Poverty assessment as a multidimensional socio-economic concept: the case of the Rawalpindi region in Pakistan

The definition on poverty has progressed into a multidimensional concept focusing more on socio-economic dimensions than being a mere measure of financial deprivation. Corresponding to this advancement, this study investigated the incidence of multidimensional poverty (MDP) in the Rawalpindi region of Pakistan, taking into account three dimensions, i.e. education, health and housing. Findings revealed an inconsistent declining trend of MDP over time. This inconsistency was mainly attributed to observed fluctuations in deprivation levels of education, health and housing in the region. Over time, education deprivation showed a significant net increase. Notably, the magnitude of MDP in rural areas was higher than in urban areas.